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EVs to power Kenya’s bus rapid transit system



The absorption of tram in Kenya it’s currently at 5% – the majority of which is private vehicles. But the situation is about to change following an announcement that the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network in the country’s capital, Nairobi, will only be operated by green (electric, mixture and biodiesel vehicle). BRT is a bus-based public transportation system that provides fast, comfortable and cost-effective services in urban areas.

The agency responsible for starting and operating a “reliable, efficient and sustainable” transport system in urban Nairobi – the Nairobi Metropolitan Transport Authority, NAMATA – has, noticeinvited agency to present their bid for the sale or lease electric, hybrid and biodiesel bus to its governing body. Lease options include 3, 7 and 12 year terms.

NAMATA is implementing BRT and other light commuter rail projects to reduce congestion in the city, with the BRT network expected to be completed later this year.

Public transport vehicles in the BRT project will have dedicated lanes to run faster than existing fossil fuel buses. For administrative efficiency, passengers will also be required to pay using digital prepaid technologies.

BRT was proposed by NAMATA in a 2019 report as a strategy to ease traffic congestion in Nairobi, where more than three million passengers spend an average of 57 minutes a day on short distances. It is estimated that non-stop traffic in Nairobi takes a toll on the country’s economy $1 billion per year in lost productivity.

Opportunities for electric vehicle startups in Kenya

It is likely that the locally developed electric bus will be one of the first to run BRT when Opibus and BasiGo – two local tram startups – begin testing.

Two weeks ago, Opibus came out Its first electric bus on the roads of Kenya, while BasiGo will begin testing soon. The large capacity electric buses of the two companies also meet the design requirements of the authorities.

Opibus is planning a commercial launch later this year, with plans to expand to other countries in Africa by the end of 2023. Opibus, has converted gasoline and diesel car for trams in the past 5 years, is setting up an electric bus factory in Kenya. The brand new 51-seat Opibus bus, with a range of 120 km, will cost $100,000, while the convertible will cost $60,000. BasiGo is already based in Kenya, specifically in Nairobi, and will assemble 25- and 36-seat buses, with a range of 250 km, in the country using parts sourced from Chinese automaker BYD Country.

These buses will help Kenya commit to a full transition to zero-emissions motor vehicles by 2040. The Kenyan government is also set to announce an e-mobility policy mid-year to provide further guidance. for the EV transition.



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